I have a master’s degree in architecture. I am not an expert or even a novice in the area of healthcare or pandemics. Heck, with my background, I am not even an expert in our day-to-day business activities. Learning something new every day has been my (and likely most everyone’s) motto as a small business owner. I never thought I would be learning about a global pandemic from the perspective of a business owner, but here we are with hands lathered in soap and six feet of distance.
It’s probably safe to say that what we are all experiencing right now was far from anyone’s wildest imagination scenario for 2020. Small business is already stressful. Add in a global pandemic and new government/CDC restrictions (for everyone’s best interest) and your blood pressure will be just as much a health concern as COVID-19. There are a lot of uncertainties right now, but one thing is certain: this is affecting everyone. We are in uncharted waters and hopefully for only for the short-term, but we are in this together. How can you help the small businesses in your community? How can you survive as a small business owner? To ease some of these uncertainties, we’ve put together a helpful guide to help support your small business friends.
STAY CALM.
Panic, scrambling, and rash decisions (as an individual or a business owner) is the last thing you need to do. Wash your hands and take a deep breath. Live your life and steer the ship as normally as possible, but also with as much caution and care as possible.
BE SMART.
Among the many unknowns about COVID-19 is the incubation time (the period between exposure and symptoms). A study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that the incubation for COVID-19 is 5.1 days. We cannot speak for all businesses, but I feel comfortable assuming that most would prefer you stay at home if there is any chance you might have been exposed and spreading germs. Above all else, no purchase or trip to the local store is worth risking lives.
DELIVERY AND CURBSIDE PICK UP.
With protocols of limited public gatherings, it took no time for so many of our retailers to get ahead of the curve and begin offering alternative shopping options. I always knew that our small business partners were one-of-a-kind, but the quick responses I’ve witnessed to keep the public out of harms way while still operating a business that depends on the public has been nothing short of innovative on the fly. Restaurants are creating make-shift drive-thrus and delivery options, retailers are offering curbside pick up, and the parcel services are risking their lives to deliver online purchases. Shop their website or social media and call ahead to see what delivery options may be available at your favorite small business.
SHARE, LIKE, COMMENT.
If you have chosen to stay at home while we weather this storm, one of the most impacting ways in which you can help your favorite small businesses is to interact with their social media posts. Supporting your favorite small business doesn't require buying anything at all actually. Regularly hitting the like button, a simple comment on a post, or re-sharing content...that type of support can change a small business. It's like shouting from the rooftops, "Go check these guys out!" to all of your followers. That means everything to us and every small business alike. This is something you can continue to do well beyond a global pandemic to help support small businesses.
RETAIL THERAPY.
Still stressed out? Sometimes buying something can actually make you feel better, but don’t take our word for it.
THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS.
I have no doubt that when this period of uncertainty passes, each and every one of you reading this will be excited to get out and visit your favorite restaurant/bar, shop the shelves of your favorite store, or purchase a ticket to an event. The fresh air will have a new smell. When life gets back to normal, keep your favorite local businesses in mind. There will be a hill that overshadows this valley.
BE PATIENT.
By the hour, the CDC and local/federal governments are monitoring and implementing temporary protocols for all businesses. With each day, brings a new set of rules and a game plan for us. Be patient as we all navigate these waters to better serve you.
TAKE THE ADVICE.
Without a doubt this is impacting every business and individual, but any protocols already in place or forthcoming are in our best interest to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in order to facilitate the threshold of our healthcare system (the real heroes). The more widespread this pandemic becomes, the longer these protocols and the storm will last.
I believe our state’s officials have been very proactive and ahead of the curve in reacting to COVID-19 and the ramifications. We suggest educating yourself and preparing as well. If you would like to learn more about what Kentucky is doing, please click here.
FINAL THOUGHTS.
Stay informed with an open mind and with love for others, Friends. We are in this together - we’re praying for you and yours.
